Information processing device, method for creating configuration information, and program

Abstract

To make it easier to create linked devices by saving the configuration information in the linked device settings. [Solution] An information processing device that uses setting information which stores imaging settings and settings for linked destinations of imaging data, comprising: a linked destination selection unit which accepts the selection of a linked destination from a plurality of linked destination candidates of imaging data using setting information which stores linked destination settings; a setting information creation unit which creates setting information which stores the linked destination in the linked destination settings when the usage frequency of the selected linked destination satisfies predetermined conditions; and a display control unit which displays the setting information in an usable state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a setting information creation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Technologies related to the selection of a destination for read image data read from a document by a scanner have been conventionally known. The selection of a destination for read image data is, for example, a user operation when linking read image data to a destination application. Also, the selection of a destination for read image data can be said to be the selection of the usage purpose of the read image data read from a document by a scanner.

[0003] Users have been selecting a destination for read image data read from a document by a scanner by using the following two methods that utilize setting information (such as a profile) in which the document reading settings and the destination settings for read image data are saved.

[0004] The first method is a method for advanced users to select a destination for read image data by creating setting information in which a destination application has been saved in the destination settings in advance and selecting that setting information at the time of reading a document.

[0005] The second method is a method for novice users to select a destination for read image data from candidate destinations before and after reading a document by creating setting information in which a destination setting that accepts the selection of one destination from a plurality of candidate destinations for read image data is saved and selecting that setting information.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for generating a shortcut item in a layer one level above a layer in which a menu item whose selection frequency exceeds a generation setting value is arranged in a mobile terminal having a plurality of hierarchically arranged menu items.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-287702 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The first method is difficult for novice users because it requires them to pre-create the configuration information for the linked application in the linked application settings. Thus, novice users have the problem of not being able to easily create the configuration information for the linked application in the linked application settings. Furthermore, the second method is inefficient because when selecting the same linked application, the user has to repeatedly select one linked application from multiple candidates for the read image data.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure aims to make it easier to create configuration information that stores linked partners in the linked partner settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that uses setting information which stores imaging settings and settings for linked destinations of imaging data, and includes: a linked destination selection unit which accepts the selection of a linked destination from a plurality of linked destination candidates of imaging data using the setting information which stores the linked destination settings; a setting information creation unit which creates setting information which stores the linked destination in the linked destination settings when the usage frequency of the selected linked destination satisfies predetermined conditions; and a display control unit which displays the setting information in a usable manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, configuration information that stores the linked devices in the linked device settings can be created more easily. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a profile creation system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a profile creation system. [Figure 4] It is an image diagram of an example of a profile editing screen. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram of an example when a profile of the quick menu is used. [Figure 6] It is a sequence diagram of an example when a profile other than the quick menu profile is used. [Figure 7] It is an image diagram of an example of a profile list screen. [Figure 8] It is an image diagram of an example of a linked application selection screen. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of an example of the procedure of the profile creation determination process in step S34. [Figure 10] It is an image diagram of an example of a profile creation proposal screen. [Figure 11] It is an image diagram of an example of the profile list screen when adding a profile. [Figure 12] It is an image diagram of an example of a profile list screen. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of counting the number of selections for each profile. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a profile creation system.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] [Embodiment] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an example of an information processing system that uses setting information in which imaging settings and the setting of a destination for linking imaging data are saved. Hereinafter, the information processing system according to this embodiment is referred to as a profile creation system.

[0015] A profile is an example of setting information in which imaging settings of a peripheral device and the setting of a destination for linking imaging data are saved. A peripheral device is an electronic device that performs imaging according to the imaging settings of a profile and outputs imaging data. The peripheral device may be, for example, an image reading device such as a scanner device, a facsimile device having an image reading function, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having an image reading function. Further, the peripheral device may be, for example, a photographing device such as a camera, an office device having a photographing function, a household electric appliance having a photographing function, or a facility device having a photographing function.

[0016] When the peripheral device is a scanner device, the imaging settings and the imaging data are the reading settings of a document and the read image data. When the peripheral device is a photographing device, the imaging settings and the imaging data are the photographing settings and the photographed image data.

[0017] For the setting of a destination for linking imaging data, a linking destination application to which the imaging data is to be linked is set as the linking destination. The linking destination application is, for example, an application installed on a user terminal or an application that provides a cloud service such as cloud storage.

[0018] Hereinafter, an example in which the peripheral device is a scanner device will be described. An application for using the scanner device (hereinafter referred to as scanner software) is installed on, for example, a user terminal. A user who uses the scanner device can use a profile by operating the scanner software.

[0019] The profiles available to users include a profile that saves the destination application in the destination settings in advance, and a profile that saves the destination settings to accept the selection of one destination application from multiple candidate destination applications for read image data.

[0020] A profile that saves the destination application in the destination settings beforehand is efficient when selecting the same destination application. However, it was difficult for novice users to create such a profile without hesitation when starting to use the scanner device. Also, a profile that saves the destination settings and accepts the selection of one destination application from multiple destination application candidates for scanned image data is easy for novice users to use. However, when selecting the same destination application, it becomes inefficient as the user has to select one destination application from multiple candidates multiple times.

[0021] Thus, novice users were unable to easily create profiles that saved linked applications in the linked application settings. This embodiment aims to make it easier to create profiles that save linked applications in the linked application settings.

[0022] According to this embodiment, a profile is automatically created that saves frequently used linked applications in the linked application settings. Therefore, even novice users can easily create and use profiles that save linked applications in the linked application settings.

[0023] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of the profile creation system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the profile creation system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0024] The profile creation system 1 includes a scanner device 10, a user terminal 12, and a server device 14. The scanner device 10 is an example of a peripheral device. The user terminal 12 is an example of an information processing device.

[0025] The user terminal 12 and the server device 14 are connected via a communication network N1 to enable data communication. The communication network N1 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or the Internet.

[0026] The scanner device 10 and the user terminal 12 are connected via a communication path N2 to enable data communication. The communication path N2 is, for example, a wired or wireless communication network. The communication path N2 may also be serial communication via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. The communication path N2 may also be part of the communication network N1.

[0027] The scanner device 10 is an example of an image reading device that reads image data from a document according to the reading settings. The scanner device 10 optically reads the image formed on the document and outputs it as read image data. The scanner device 10 transmits the read image data to the user terminal 12 via the communication path N2.

[0028] User terminal 12 is an example of an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal operated by user U. Scanner software is installed on user terminal 12. User U can use the profile by operating the scanner software. User terminal 12 may also have one or more linked applications installed.

[0029] Server device 14 is an example of an information processing device that provides cloud services such as cloud storage. Server device 14 may also be a file server or the like. Server device 14 is an example of an information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer (PC). Server device 14 is equipped with one or more linked applications.

[0030] Note that the system configuration of the profile creation system 1 shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and various system configurations are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the profile creation system 1 may include multiple scanner devices 10 or user terminals 12. For example, the server device 14 may be implemented by multiple computers, or it may be implemented as a cloud computing service.

[0031] Furthermore, the classification of devices such as the scanner device 10, user terminal 12, and server device 14 shown in Figure 1 is just an example. For example, the profile creation system 1 does not necessarily have to include the server device 14.

[0032] <Hardware Configuration> The user terminal 12 and the server device 14 may be implemented using, for example, the computer shown in Figure 2. The scanner device 10 may be implemented using, for example, a configuration that includes the computer shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the computer 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 504, input device 505, display device 506, communication interface 507, and external interface 508. The CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 form what is known as a computer. Each piece of hardware in the computer 500 is interconnected via a bus line 509. The input device 505 and display device 506 may also be used by connecting them to the external interface 508.

[0034] The CPU 501 is a processing unit that reads programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 502 or HDD 504 onto the RAM 503 and executes processing, thereby realizing the overall control and functions of the computer 500. The computer 500 may have a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to or instead of the CPU 501.

[0035] ROM502 is an example of non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. ROM502 functions as the main memory, storing various programs and data necessary for the CPU501 to execute the programs installed on HDD504. Specifically, ROM502 stores boot programs such as BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) that are executed when the computer 500 starts up, as well as OS (Operating System) settings, network settings, and other data.

[0036] RAM503 is an example of volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) whose programs and data are erased when the power is turned off. RAM503 includes, for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). RAM503 provides a working area that is expanded when various programs installed on HDD504 are executed by CPU501.

[0037] HDD504 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored in HDD504 include the operating system (OS), which is the basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and applications that provide various functions on the OS. Note that computer 500 may use a storage device that uses flash memory as its storage medium (e.g., SSD: Solid State Drive) instead of HDD504.

[0038] The input device 505 includes a touch panel used by the user to input various signals, operation keys and buttons, a keyboard and mouse, and a microphone for inputting sound data such as voice.

[0039] The display device 506 consists of a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) that displays a screen, and a speaker that outputs sound data such as audio.

[0040] Communication I / F 507 is an interface that connects to a communication network and allows computer 500 to perform data communication.

[0041] External I / F 508 is an interface for external devices. Examples of external devices include the drive device 510.

[0042] The drive device 510 is a device for setting the recording medium 511. The recording medium 511 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. The recording medium 511 may also include semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memory. This allows the computer 500 to read and / or write to the recording medium 511 via the external I / F 508.

[0043] The various programs to be installed on the HDD 504 are installed, for example, when the distributed recording medium 511 is set in a drive device 510 connected to an external I / F 508, and the various programs recorded on the recording medium 511 are read by the drive device 510. The various programs to be installed on the HDD 504 may also be installed by downloading them via a communication network through a communication I / F 507.

[0044] <Functional Configuration> The functional configuration of the profile creation system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the profile creation system 1.

[0045] <<Scanner device>> As shown in Figure 3, the scanner device 10 comprises an image reading unit 20, a file creation unit 22, and a communication control unit 24. The scanner device 10 functions as the image reading unit 20, file creation unit 22, and communication control unit 24 when the installed scanner program is executed.

[0046] The image reading unit 20 starts the scanning process in accordance with the scan request from the user terminal 12. The image reading unit 20 scans the document according to the reading settings and optically reads the image formed on the document. The file creation unit 22 creates scanned image data from the document reading result by the image reading unit 20. The communication control unit 24 receives a scan request from the user terminal 12 and transmits the created scanned image data to the user terminal 12.

[0047] <<User Terminal>> As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 12 includes a partner selection unit 30, a usage frequency determination unit 32, a profile creation unit 34, a user response reception unit 36, a display control unit 38, a communication control unit 40, and a partner application 42. The user terminal 12 functions as the partner selection unit 30, usage frequency determination unit 32, profile creation unit 34, user response reception unit 36, display control unit 38, communication control unit 40, and partner application 42 when various installed programs are executed. The scanner software is included in the programs executed on the user terminal 12.

[0048] The partner selection unit 30, usage frequency determination unit 32, profile creation unit 34, user response reception unit 36, display control unit 38, communication control unit 40, and partner application 42 are realized by a process in which a program deployed from the HDD 504 to the RAM 503, as shown in Figure 2, is executed by the CPU 501.

[0049] The communication control unit 40 sends a scan command to the scanner device 10 and receives scanned image data from the scanner device 10. Furthermore, if the linked application 50 of the server device 14 is stored as a linked application in the profile, the communication control unit 40 sends the scanned image data to the linked application 50 of the server device 14.

[0050] The partner selection unit 30 accepts the selection of a partner application from user U when a profile is used that saves a partner setting that accepts the selection of one partner application from among multiple partner application candidates for read image data. User U can create, for example, the profile editing screen 1000 shown in Figure 4, which saves a partner setting that accepts the selection of one partner application from among multiple partner application candidates for read image data.

[0051] Figure 4 is an illustrative image of an example of the profile editing screen 1000. The profile editing screen 1000 in Figure 4 has an input field 1002 that accepts input of setting items including document scanning settings from the user U, an input field 1004 that accepts selection of the destination application for the scanned image data from the user U, a profile selection field 1006, a save button 1012, and a cancel button 1014.

[0052] User U can create a profile with pre-saved destination settings by selecting a destination for scanned image data, such as "Save to Folder," in input field 1004. Alternatively, User U can create a profile where the destination is selected each time a scan is performed by selecting a destination such as "Quick Menu" (a destination setting that accepts the selection of one destination from multiple destination candidates each time a scan is performed).

[0053] When user U presses the save button 1012, a profile is created that saves the settings, including the document scanning settings entered in input field 1002, and the destination settings for the scanned image data selected in input field 1004. When user U presses the cancel button 1014, the profile editing screen 1000 is closed without creating a profile.

[0054] The profile selection field 1006 is a display area where profile selection buttons 1008 or 1010 corresponding to created profiles are displayed. In Figure 4, the profile selection field 1006 is displayed in a manner in which the profile selection button 1008 corresponding to the profile named "Quick Menu" (hereinafter referred to as the Quick Menu profile) is selectable. In Figure 4, the profile selection field 1006 is displayed in a manner in which the profile selection button 1010 corresponding to the profile named "Save to Folder" is selectable.

[0055] For example, in the profile editing screen 1000 shown in Figure 4, when user U selects either the profile selection button 1008 or 1010 displayed in the profile selection field 1006, the displayed content of input fields 1002 and 1004 changes.

[0056] When profile selection button 1008 is selected, the contents of input fields 1002 and 1004 will be displayed as settings items including the document scanning settings for the profile in the quick menu, and the destination settings for the scanned image data. When profile selection button 1010 is selected, the contents of input fields 1002 and 1004 will be displayed as settings items including the document scanning settings for the profile named "Save to Folder," and the destination settings for the scanned image data.

[0057] Returning to Figure 3, the usage frequency determination unit 32 of the user terminal 12 determines the usage frequency of the linked destination selected by user U using the quick menu profile from among multiple linked destination candidates. The usage frequency determination unit 32 determines whether the usage frequency of the linked destination selected by user U from among multiple linked destination candidates satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0058] The usage frequency determination unit 32 determines that the usage frequency of the linked service meets predetermined conditions if it determines that the linked service is used frequently based on the determination criteria for determining that the linked service is used frequently. Details of the determination criteria for determining that the linked service is used frequently will be described later.

[0059] The profile creation unit 34 saves a profile that includes the setting items, including the document scanning settings entered in the input field 1002 of the profile editing screen 1000, and the linking destination settings for the scanned image data selected in the input field 1004.

[0060] Furthermore, the profile creation unit 34 creates a profile that saves the selected linked destination in the linked destination settings if the usage frequency of the linked destination selected by user U using the quick menu profile meets predetermined conditions.

[0061] Furthermore, if the frequency of use of a linked destination selected by user U using the quick menu profile meets predetermined conditions, the profile creation unit 34 may display an option to determine whether or not to create a profile for that linked destination saved in the linked destination settings, and may accept a selection from user U. The user response receiving unit 36 ​​accepts responses from user U, such as the selection of an option.

[0062] The display control unit 38 controls the display of various screens, such as the profile editing screen 1000 in Figure 4. The display control unit 38 also controls the display of the linked application selection screen, the profile list screen, etc., which will be described later. The linked application 42 is an example of a linked application to be saved in the linked application settings of the profile.

[0063] ≪Server Equipment≫ The server device 14 in Figure 3 includes a linked application 50. The server device 14 functions as a linked application 50 when various installed programs are executed. The linked application 50 is an example of a linked application saved in the linked application settings of the profile. The linked application 50 is, for example, a web application. The linked application 50 is, for example, a cloud storage service, a communication tool service, a digital note creation service, or an information sharing platform.

[0064] The functional configuration of the profile creation system 1 shown in Figure 3 is just one example, and it goes without saying that there are various functional configurations depending on the application and purpose. The division of processing units such as the connection destination selection unit 30, usage frequency determination unit 32, profile creation unit 34, user response reception unit 36, display control unit 38, communication control unit 40, and connection destination application 42 of the user terminal 12 shown in Figure 3 is just one example.

[0065] <Processing> The profile creation method performed by the profile creation system 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of an example where a quick menu profile is used. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of an example where a profile other than a quick menu profile is used.

[0066] In step S10 of Figure 5, the display control unit 38 of the user terminal 12 starts the scanner software and displays, for example, the profile list screen shown in Figure 7.

[0067] Figure 7 is an illustrative image of an example of the profile list screen 1100. The profile list screen 1100 in Figure 7 has a profile selection field 1102, an input field 1106 for receiving input of document scanning settings from the user U, and a scan button 1108.

[0068] The profile selection field 1102 is a display area where profile selection buttons 1104 corresponding to the created quick menu profiles are shown. In Figure 7, the profile selection field 1102 is displayed in a manner in which the profile selection buttons 1104 corresponding to the quick menu profiles can be selected. Note that the profile selection field 1102 shown in Figure 7 is an example where no profiles other than the quick menu profiles have been created. The scan button 1108 accepts a scan start operation from user U.

[0069] When user U presses the profile selection button 1104, in step S12, the user response reception unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 12 accepts the selection of a profile from the quick menu. User U can also instruct the scanner software of the user terminal 12 to start scanning the document by pressing the scan button 1108.

[0070] In step S14, the communication control unit 40 of the user terminal 12 sends a scan request to the scanner device 10. In step S16, the image reading unit 20 of the scanner device 10 performs the document scanning process according to the document reading settings of the quick menu profile.

[0071] In step S16, the file creation unit 22 creates scanned image data from the document scanning result by the image reading unit 20. In step S18, the communication control unit 24 transmits the created scanned image data to the user terminal 12.

[0072] In step S20, the user terminal 12 performs image processing on the read image data received from the scanner device 10 as necessary.

[0073] In step S22, the user terminal 12's connection selection unit 30 determines whether or not a quick menu profile was used. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram of an example where a quick menu profile was used, so it is determined that a quick menu profile was used.

[0074] In step S24, the display control unit 38 of the user terminal 12 displays, for example, the linked application selection screen 1200 shown in Figure 8.

[0075] Figure 8 is an illustrative diagram of an example of the linked application selection screen 1200. The linked application selection screen 1200 in Figure 8 has a linked application selection field 1202. The linked application selection field 1202 is a display field where linked application selection buttons corresponding to linked applications are displayed. In the linked application selection field 1202 shown in Figure 8, the linked application selection buttons are displayed in a manner that allows selection.

[0076] The linked application selection field 1202 shown in Figure 8 displays linked application selection buttons corresponding to linked applications such as applications installed on the user terminal 12 or web applications.

[0077] In step S26, the user terminal 12's connection selection unit 30 receives a selection of a connection application from user U from the connection application selection field 1202 of the connection application selection screen 1200 shown in Figure 8. For example, user U selects a connection application named "Save to Folder" from the connection application selection field 1202 shown in Figure 8.

[0078] If the linked application selected in step S26 is the linked application 42 within the user terminal 12, in step S28 the user terminal 12 performs a process to link the read image data to the linked application 42 within the user terminal 12 selected in step S26.

[0079] Furthermore, if the linked application selected in step S26 is the linked application 50 of the server device 14, in step S30, the communication control unit 40 transmits the read image data to the server device 14.

[0080] In step S32, the user terminal 12 performs a read image data linkage process, which involves linking the read image data to the linked application 50 of the server device 14 selected in step S26.

[0081] In step S34, the user terminal 12 performs a profile creation determination process, for example, according to the procedure shown in Figure 9. The profile creation determination process is a process that creates a profile in which the linked application selected in step S26 is saved in the linked application settings, if the usage frequency of the linked application selected in step S26 meets predetermined conditions.

[0082] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the profile creation determination process in step S34.

[0083] In step S100, the usage frequency determination unit 32 of the user terminal 12 determines the usage frequency of the linked application selected from the linked application selection screen 1200 shown in Figure 8.

[0084] For example, the usage frequency determination unit 32 determines the usage frequency of the linked application based on whether or not predetermined conditions are met. The usage frequency determination unit 32 may also determine whether or not the linked application is used frequently based on criteria for determining whether the linked application is used frequently.

[0085] For example, the usage frequency determination unit 32 determines whether the linked application is frequently used based on whether the same linked application is selected by user U N times in a row, which is a predetermined condition. If the same linked application is selected by user U N times in a row, it is determined that the linked application is frequently used. In this case, the criterion for determining whether the linked application is frequently used is that the same linked application is selected by user U N times in a row.

[0086] Furthermore, the usage frequency determination unit 32 may determine whether the linked application is frequently used based on whether the user U has selected the same linked application a total of N times, which is a predetermined condition. If the same linked application is selected by the user U a total of N times, it is determined that the linked application is frequently used. In this case, the criterion for determining whether the linked application is frequently used is that the user U has selected the same linked application a total of N times.

[0087] Furthermore, the usage frequency determination unit 32 may determine whether the linked application is frequently used based on whether the user U selects the same linked application for N consecutive days, which is a predetermined condition. If the same linked application is selected by the user U for N consecutive days, it is determined that the linked application is frequently used. In this case, the criterion for determining whether the linked application is frequently used is that the same linked application is selected by the user U for N consecutive days.

[0088] Furthermore, the usage frequency determination unit 32 may determine whether the linked application is frequently used based on whether the user U selects the same linked application for a cumulative total of N days. If the same linked application is selected by the user U for a cumulative total of N days, it is determined that the linked application is frequently used. In this case, the criterion for determining whether the linked application is frequently used is that the same linked application is selected by the user U for a cumulative total of N days.

[0089] Furthermore, the usage frequency determination unit 32 may determine that the linked application is frequently used based on whether or not a predetermined condition is met, where the usage rate calculated based on the number of times the linked application selection screen 1200 shown in Figure 8 is accessed and the number of times each linked application is selected by user U exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the usage rate calculated based on the number of times the linked application selection screen 1200 is accessed and the number of times each linked application is selected by user U exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the linked application is frequently used. In this case, the criterion for determining whether the linked application is frequently used is that the usage rate calculated based on the number of times the linked application selection screen 1200 is accessed and the number of times each linked application is selected by user U exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0090] Furthermore, when a linked application is selected by user U from the linked application selection screen 1200 shown in Figure 8, the usage frequency determination unit 32 adds the number of times the selected linked application is selected and subtracts the number of times the unselected linked applications are selected. The usage frequency determination unit 32 may also determine that the linked application is used frequently based on whether or not a predetermined condition is met, such as the number of selections exceeding a predetermined threshold. If the number of selections exceeds the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the linked application is used frequently. In this case, the criterion for determining that the linked application is used frequently is that the number of selections calculated by adding the number of selections of the selected linked application and subtracting the number of selections of the unselected linked applications exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0091] In step S102, the profile creation unit 34 determines whether or not there is a linked application that is used frequently, based on the usage frequency of the linked application determined in step S100.

[0092] If no frequently used linked applications exist in step S102, the flowchart shown in Figure 9 terminates. If a frequently used linked application exists in step S102, the profile creation unit 34 proceeds to step S104 to determine whether a profile for the frequently used linked application already exists.

[0093] If a profile for a frequently used linked application already exists in step S104, the flowchart shown in Figure 9 terminates. Thus, even if there is a frequently used linked application, the profile creation unit 34 does not create a profile for that linked application if a profile for that linked application already exists in the linked application settings.

[0094] Furthermore, if there is a frequently used linked application and a profile exists that has been saved in the linked application settings, the profile creation unit 34 may create a profile that has been saved in the linked application settings if the settings items, including the document scanning settings, are different.

[0095] Furthermore, if no profile exists for a frequently used linked application in step S104, the display control unit 38 displays, for example, the profile creation suggestion screen 1300 shown in Figure 10 in step S106.

[0096] Figure 10 is an illustrative image of an example of the profile creation proposal screen 1300. The profile creation proposal screen 1300 in Figure 10 is an example screen that proposes to user U the creation of a profile for the linked application selected from the linked application selection screen 1200 in Figure 8 when using the profile in the quick menu. The profile creation proposal screen 1300 includes a button 1302 that user U operates if they agree to create the profile and a button 1304 that user U operates if they do not agree.

[0097] If user U agrees to the creation of a profile, the process proceeds to step S110, where the profile creation unit 34 creates a profile that saves frequently used partners in the partner settings. If user U does not agree to the creation of a profile, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9 ends.

[0098] Note that the process in step S106 may be omitted. If the process in step S106 is omitted, the profile creation unit 34 will automatically create the profile without seeking the user U's consent to create the profile.

[0099] In the following, we will assume that a profile was created in step S110, and return to Figure 5 to continue the explanation.

[0100] Following step S34 in Figure 5, the process proceeds to step S36, where the display control unit 38 displays the profile list screen 1100 shown in Figure 7, with profile selection buttons 1110 corresponding to the profiles created in step S110 added, as shown in Figure 11.

[0101] Figure 11 is an example image of the profile list screen 1100 when a profile is added. In the profile list screen 1100 of Figure 11, the profile selection field 1102 displays a selectable profile selection button 1110 corresponding to the added profile. In addition, the profile list screen 1100 of Figure 11 displays a message 1112 notifying user U that a new profile has been added.

[0102] The profile list screen 1100 in Figure 11 is an example screen that displays additionally created profiles when the usage frequency of the linked application selected when using the quick menu profile meets predetermined conditions.

[0103] Next, we will explain the case where a profile other than the quick menu profile is used from the profile list screen 1100 in Figure 11, referring to Figure 6.

[0104] In step S40 of Figure 6, the display control unit 38 of the user terminal 12 starts the scanner software and displays the profile list screen 1100 of Figure 11. The message 1112 on the profile list screen 1100 of Figure 11 may be displayed for a certain period of time after the profile is created, or until the number of times it has been displayed reaches a predetermined number. In this embodiment, the user U is made aware that a new profile has been added, thereby promoting the use of the profile by the user U. The content of the message 1112 is just an example, and it may also contain content that explains the convenience of using the profile.

[0105] When user U presses the profile selection button 1110, in step S42, the user response reception unit 36 ​​of the user terminal 12 accepts the selection of a profile named "Save to Folder". User U can also instruct the scanner software of the user terminal 12 to start scanning the document by pressing the scan button.

[0106] In step S44, the communication control unit 40 of the user terminal 12 sends a scan request to the scanner device 10. In step S46, the image reading unit 20 of the scanner device 10 performs the document scanning process according to the document reading settings of the profile selected in step S42.

[0107] In step S46, the file creation unit 22 creates scanned image data from the document scanning result by the image reading unit 20. In step S48, the communication control unit 24 transmits the created scanned image data to the user terminal 12.

[0108] In step S50, the user terminal 12 performs image processing on the read image data received from the scanner device 10 as needed. In step S52, the user terminal 12's connection destination selection unit 30 determines whether or not a quick menu profile was used. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of an example where a profile other than the quick menu profile was used, so it is determined that the quick menu profile was not used.

[0109] If the linked application of the profile selected in step S42 is the linked application 42 within the user terminal 12, the user terminal 12 performs the process in step S54. In step S54, the user terminal 12 performs a process to link the read image data to the linked application 42 within the user terminal 12.

[0110] Furthermore, if the linked application of the profile selected in step S42 is the linked application 50 of the server device 14, in step S56, the communication control unit 40 transmits the read image data to the server device 14.

[0111] In step S58, the user terminal 12 performs a read image data linkage process, which involves linking the read image data to the linked application 50 of the server device 14 of the profile selected in step S42.

[0112] <Variation> In the above embodiment, the frequency of use of the linked application determined in step S100 was used to determine whether or not to display the profile creation suggestion screen 1300 shown in Figure 10, for example. However, the user U's proficiency with profiles may also be used to determine whether or not to display the profile creation suggestion screen 1300. Alternatively, the user U's proficiency with profiles may be determined by a criterion for determining whether or not the user U has low proficiency with profiles.

[0113] For example, one criterion for determining that user U has low proficiency with a profile is that the profile remains in its default state. Another criterion for determining that user U has low proficiency with a profile is that the number of times the profile has been selected is less than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0114] Figure 12 is an illustrative image of an example of the profile list screen 1100. The profile selection area 1102 of the profile list screen 1100 shown in Figure 12 is a display area that shows a profile selection button corresponding to the profile in the quick menu and three profile selection buttons corresponding to profiles other than the profile in the quick menu.

[0115] For example, in the case of the profile selection field 1102 shown in Figure 12, as shown in Figure 13, the number of times each profile other than the quick menu profile is selected is counted, and if the total number of selections is less than or equal to a predetermined number, it is determined that user U has low proficiency with profiles.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system suggested creating a profile to user U by displaying, for example, the profile creation suggestion screen 1300 shown in Figure 10, and automatically created the profile if user U agreed. The display control unit 38 may, instead of creating the profile, display, for example, the procedure for creating a profile and encourage user U to create the profile.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if it is determined in step S104 that a profile for a frequently used linked application already exists, the system may recommend using the existing profile instead of creating a profile for that linked application saved in the linked application settings.

[0118] The profile creation system 1a shown in Figure 14 is configured such that the scanner device 10 has the following components: a connection destination selection unit 30, a usage frequency determination unit 32, a profile creation unit 34, a user response reception unit 36, a display control unit 38, and a connection destination application 42, which are all part of the user terminal 12 shown in Figure 3.

[0119] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the profile creation system 1a. Since Figure 14 is similar to the profile creation system 1 in Figure 3, with some exceptions, explanations will be omitted as appropriate. As shown in Figure 14, the scanner device 10 has an image reading unit 20, a file creation unit 22, and a communication control unit 24, as well as a partner selection unit 130, a usage frequency determination unit 132, a profile creation unit 134, a user response reception unit 136, a display control unit 138, and a partner application 142.

[0120] The partner selection unit 130 accepts the selection of a partner application from user U when a profile is used that has saved partner settings that accept the selection of one partner application from multiple partner application candidates for read image data.

[0121] The usage frequency determination unit 132 determines the usage frequency of the linked service selected by user U using the quick menu profile from among multiple linked service candidates.

[0122] The profile creation unit 134 saves a profile that includes the setting items, including the document scanning settings entered in the input field 1002 of the profile editing screen 1000, and the linking destination settings for the scanned image data selected in the input field 1004. The user response receiving unit 136 receives responses from the user U, such as the selection of options.

[0123] The display control unit 138 controls the display of various screens, such as the profile editing screen 1000 in Figure 4. The display control unit 38 controls the display of the linked application selection screen 1200, the profile list screen 1100, and so on. The linked application 142 is an example of a linked application to be saved in the linked application settings of the profile. The linked application 142 may also be present in a user terminal 12 not shown in Figure 14.

[0124] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, if user U, who is using the Quick Menu profile, frequently uses linked applications, a profile containing those linked applications saved in the linked application settings can be automatically created and provided to user U. User U can more easily create profiles containing frequently used linked applications saved in the linked application settings. Furthermore, this embodiment promotes the use of profiles containing frequently used linked applications saved in the linked application settings by user U.

[0125] [supplement] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0126] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10 Scanner device 12 User terminals 14 Server Devices 30 Partner Selection Department 32 Usage frequency determination unit 34 Profile Creation Section 36 User Response Reception Department 38 Display Control Unit 40 Communication Control Unit 42. Partner applications

Claims

1. An information processing device that uses setting information, which stores imaging settings and settings for the destination of linked imaging data, A partner selection unit accepts the selection of a partner from among multiple candidate partners of the imaging data, using the setting information which has been saved in which the partner settings are accepted. If the frequency of use of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions, a setting information creation unit creates the setting information that saves the partner in the partner settings, A display control unit that makes the aforementioned setting information available, An information processing device having

2. The configuration information creation unit, when the usage frequency of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions, displays an option to determine whether or not the configuration information needs to be created, and accepts the selection of the option. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Even if the frequency of use of the selected partner satisfies predetermined conditions, the setting information creation unit will not create the setting information that saves the partner's settings if the setting information that saves the partner's settings already exists. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. Even if there is existing setting information in which the linked destination is saved in the linked destination settings, if the imaging settings are different, the setting information creation unit will create the setting information in which the linked destination is saved in the linked destination settings. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The setting information creation unit, when the frequency of use of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions and when it determines that the user's proficiency with the setting information is low based on the determination criteria for determining whether the user's proficiency with the setting information is low, creates the setting information that saves the partner in the partner settings. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The setting information creation unit recommends, if the frequency of use of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions, creating the setting information that saves the partner to the partner settings instead of creating the setting information that saves the partner to the partner settings. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. Even if the frequency of use of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions, if there is existing configuration information for the partner saved in the partner settings, the configuration information creation unit recommends using the partner saved in the partner settings. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. If the frequency of use of the aforementioned partner meets the predetermined conditions, it is determined that the frequency of use of the aforementioned partner is high, based on the criteria for determining whether the frequency of use of the aforementioned partner is high. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned information processing device is an image reading device that reads image data from a document according to the reading settings. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An information processing device that uses configuration information, which stores imaging settings and settings for the destination of linked imaging data, A procedure for selecting a partner, which accepts the selection of a partner from among multiple candidate partners for the imaging data, using the setting information that has saved the partner settings, If the frequency of use of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions, a setting information creation procedure is performed to create the setting information that saves the partner in the partner settings, A display control procedure for making the aforementioned setting information available, How to create configuration information to execute it.

11. An information processing device that uses configuration information, which stores imaging settings and settings for the destination of linked imaging data, A procedure for selecting a partner, which accepts the selection of a partner from among multiple candidate partners for the imaging data, using the setting information that has saved the partner settings, If the frequency of use of the selected partner meets predetermined conditions, a setting information creation procedure is performed to create the setting information that saves the partner in the partner settings, A display control procedure for making the aforementioned setting information available, A program that executes the command.

Images